Wireless leak alarm camera and sensors, and wireless valve, apparatus, system and method thereof

ABSTRACT

A wireless leak alarm, and wireless valve, apparatus, system, and a method thereof, which may be implemented with leak detectors for any type of fluid, liquid, or gas. The device maybe implemented with any type of sensory detector, such as, for example, a temperature, a moisture, a Carbon Monoxide, a Carbon Dioxide detector. The invention allows the use of a wireless, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi leak detector and monitor. The invention further relates to a system, method, and apparatus for a wireless, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi leak detector, monitor and valve controller. The inventive device includes the ability to communicate via voice message, text message, image, video recording and/or live video, email, and other wireless communication methods as desired by a user responsible for knowing of an event of a fluid or water leak. The Wireless Leak Alarm further has a side camera, side LED, NIR LED, light sensor, and solar panel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant CIP (Continuation-In-Part) patent application claimspriority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/252,571, filed on Jan. 19, 2019, titled “WIRELESS LEAK ALARM, ANDWIRELESS VALVE, APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND A METHOD THEREOF”, and whichissued on Aug. 25, 2020, as U.S. Pat. No. 10,754,360, and which claimedpriority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/170,854, filed on Jun. 1, 2016, titled “SYSTEM, METHODS, ANDAPPARATUS FOR A LEAK DETECTOR AND MONITOR”, and which issued on Jan. 22,2019, as U.S. Pat. No. 10,186,137, and which claimed priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/169,170, filed on Jun. 1,2015, titled “SYSTEM METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR A LEAK DETECTOR ANDMONITOR,” the entire disclosure of each application is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a wireless leak alarm, andwireless valve, apparatus, system, and a method thereof. Aspects of thepresent invention may be implemented with leak detectors for any type ofsolid, liquid, or gas. Aspects of the present invention may beimplemented with any type of sensory detector, such as, for example, atemperature, moisture, CO (Carbon Monoxide), a CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)detector. Aspects of the present invention relate to a system, methods,and apparatus for a Wi-Fi leak detector and monitor. More specifically,aspects of the present invention relate to a system, methods, andapparatus for a Wi-Fi leak detector, monitor and valve controller.Aspects of the present invention include the ability to communicate viavoice message, text message, image, video prerecorded and/or live video,email and other wireless communication methods to the property owner,manager, resident, person responsible for a dwelling, call center orother designated contacts in the event of a fluid leak. The WirelessLeak Alarm further has at least one side camera, at least one side LED,at least one Near-Infrared Radiation (NIR) LED, at least one lightsensor, and at least one solar panel.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Fluid leak detectors, and leak monitoring apparatus, and systems havebeen used in the industry for a variety of reasons, and under a varietyof conditions. For example, a property owner, manager, resident, orperson responsible for a dwelling is usually always responsible for thedwelling or property, and thus if there is a fluid leak in the dwelling,facility, or equipment, then there has to be a way of communicating thatfluid leak problem to at least one person. This problem can becompounded, especially, when the person who is responsible is away for aperiod of time, such as, for example, away at work, on vacation, orotherwise absent from the property. As a further example, there is achance of a leak in a multiple level dwelling without the resident beingaware of the fluid leak, for example, in the basement of a building, orat a remote location, or at a location which may not normally beregularly monitored. However, if there was a way to monitor dwellings,other buildings and equipment for operating or environmental failure sothat reparative action can be taken in a timely manner, costly and timeconsuming damages could be prevented. Accordingly, there is an urgentneed for a system, method and apparatus for a leak detector and monitor,especially one that is wireless.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,653 (Orrin E. Tucker, et al.), the entire disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an inventionwhich is directed to a control system for automatically shutting offfluid flow in a fluid system responsive to the detection of leaks orother unwanted fluid flow therein. The system is intended to berelatively inexpensive and easy to install so that it is accessible tohomes and business owners of all types. Also, the system is intended tobe very accurate and quickly responsive to the detection of a leak tolimit fluid loss in the fluid system to thereby minimize any damage.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0066297 (Ali Saberi, et al.), theentire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference,discloses an invention comprising a remote monitoring and control systemcomprising synchronized wireless MESH technology for remote monitoringand control of utility grids (e.g., utility meters), commoditydistribution networks, industrial equipment, and infrastructureincluding remote disconnection/connection and self-generating power.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0308638 (Gregory E. Hyland, et al.),the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference,discloses an infrastructure monitoring system and method includemultiple communications devices. At least one communications device iscoupled to an element of the infrastructure.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016/0219516 (Vivek Subramanian, et al.),the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference,discloses systems and methods for implementing power management featureswhile providing a wireless asymmetric network are disclosed herein. Inone embodiment, a system includes a hub having a wireless control devicethat is configured to control communications and power consumption inthe wireless asymmetric network architecture and sensor nodes eachhaving at least one sensor and a wireless device with a transmitter anda receiver to enable bi-directional communications with the wirelesscontrol device of the hub. The wireless control device is configured todetermine a scheduled timing of operating each sensor node during afirst time period that is close in time with respect to a transmitwindow of the transmitter and during a second time period that is closein time with respect to a receive window of the receiver for eachwireless device to reduce power consumption of the wireless devices ofthe sensor nodes.

This invention improves on the deficiencies of the prior art andprovides an inventive wireless leak alarm, and wireless valve,apparatus, system, and a method thereof.

PURPOSES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a novel wireless leak alarm, and wireless valve,apparatus, system, and a method thereof.

Therefore, one purpose of this invention is to provide a wireless leakalarm, and wireless valve, apparatus, system, and a method thereof.

Aspects of the present invention include a leak detector and monitorcomprising: at least one leak sensor adapted to detect a leak of asubstance; at least one microcontroller adapted to receive and interactwith a signal from the leak sensor, as the microcontroller is acting asa processor and a communication server; and at least one wirelesscommunication module adapted to receive the signal from themicrocontroller, whereby the wireless communication module transmits anelectronic message to at least one user, whereby the user wirelesslycommunicates his instructions to the microcontroller to exercise controlover at least one electrical valve by transmitting at least oneelectrical signal to the electrical valve.

Aspects of the present invention include a leak detector and monitorcomprising: at least one leak sensor adapted to detect a leak of asubstance; at least one microcontroller adapted to receive a signal fromthe leak sensor; and at least one wireless communication module adaptedto receive the signal from the microcontroller, whereby the wirelesscommunication module transmits an electronic message to an Internetcloud based server and the Internet cloud based server transmits theelectronic message to a user's device, whereby the user wirelesslycommunicates his instructions to the Internet cloud based server and theInternet cloud based server transmits the user's instructions to themicrocontroller to exercise control over at least one electrical valveby transmitting at least one electrical signal to the electrical valve.

Aspects of the present invention include a method of remotely exercisingcontrol over an electrical valve comprising the steps of: positioning aleak detector in a location to amenable to detecting leaks; receiving anotification of a leak; and communicating instructions to exercisecontrol over an electrical valve, whereby causing the electrical valveto be shut off.

Aspects of the present invention include a leak detector and monitorcomprising a WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) having at least one side camera,at least one side LED, at least one NIR LED, at least one light sensor,and at least one solar panel.

Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises a wireless leak alarm,and wireless valve, apparatus, comprising:

(a) at least one wireless leak alarm device, said at least one wirelessleak alarm device comprises at least one first microcontroller, at leastone first wireless communication module, at least one leak sensoradapted to detect a leak of a substance, at least one battery, at leastone visual observation device, and at least one fluid leak broadcastmeans;(b) said at least one first microcontroller adapted to receive a signalfrom said at least one leak sensor;(c) said at least one first wireless communication module adapted toreceive a signal from said at least one first microcontroller, wherebysaid at least one first wireless communication module transmits anelectronic message to one of at least one user and a monitor server viaat least one first wireless communication network, whereby said at leastone user wirelessly communicates user's instructions to exercise controlover at least one action device using said at least one first wirelesscommunication network, wherein said at least one action device comprisesa power module, a second wireless communication module, a secondmicrocontroller, a relay, and at least one electrical valve, and whereinsaid relay transmits at least one electrical signal to said electricalvalve upon receipt of instructions from said at least one user, and uponcompleting said at least one user's instructions said wirelesscommunication module sends an acknowledgement of completion of said atleast one user's instructions to said at least one user using said atleast one first wireless communication network; and(d) wherein said at least one leak sensor has at least one externalprobe which comes in contact with said leaking substance.

In another aspect this invention comprises a method of remotelyexercising control over an electrical valve comprising the steps of:

(a) positioning at least one wireless leak alarm device having at leastone first microcontroller, at least one first wireless communicationmodule, at least one visual observation device, at least one leak sensoradapted to detect a leak of a substance, at least one battery, and atleast one fluid leak broadcast means, in a location amenable todetecting leaks;(b) receiving a notification of a fluid leak from one of said at leastone wireless leak alarm device via said at least one first wirelesscommunication module via at least one first wireless communicationnetwork;(c) activating said at least one visual observation device uponreceiving said notification of said fluid leak from one of said at leastone wireless leak alarm device;(d) communicating instructions from one of at least one user and monitorserver using said at least one first wireless communication network to asecond microcontroller via a second wireless communication module toexercise control over an electrical valve, whereby causing saidelectrical valve to be shut off to stop said fluid leak, and uponcompleting said at least one user's instructions said second wirelesscommunication module sends an acknowledgement of completion of said atleast one user's instructions to said at least one user using said atleast one first wireless communication network; and(e) said at least one leak sensor having at least one external probewhich comes in contact with said leaking substance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than anyparticular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferredembodiment follows together with drawings. These drawings are forillustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Like numbersrepresent like features and components in the drawings. The inventionmay best be understood by reference to the ensuing detailed descriptionin conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1A, is an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1B, depicts an exemplary bock diagram of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2, depicts an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3, depicts an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4, depicts an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5, depicts an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6, depicts an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7, depicts an exemplary diagram of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8, depicts an exemplary diagram of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9, depicts an exemplary diagram of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10, illustrates an exemplary WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11, illustrates an exemplary diagram of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 12, illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary WiLA (WirelessLeak Alarm) of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13, illustrates a first side cut-away view of an exemplary WiLA(Wireless Leak Alarm) of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14, illustrates a second side cut-away view of an exemplary WiLA(Wireless Leak Alarm) of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15, illustrates an exemplary WiLA (Wireless beak Alarm) of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16, illustrates an exemplary WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention, while floating in afluid.

FIG. 17, illustrates an exemplary diagram of an exemplary communicationnetwork embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18, illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary WiLA (WirelessLeak Alarm), of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19, illustrates a first side cut-away cross-sectional view of anexemplary WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm), of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 20, illustrates a second side cut-away cross-sectional view of anexemplary WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm), of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention in a fully assembled, and operational state.

FIG. 21, illustrates an exemplary WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm), of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention in a fully assembled, andoperational state.

FIG. 22, illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24, illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25, illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention using the inventive smart deviceapplications.

FIG. 26, depicts an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 27 depicts an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventive wireless leak alarm, and wireless valve, apparatus,system, and a method thereof will now be discussed with reference toFIGS. 1A through 27. Although the scope of the present invention is muchbroader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of thepreferred embodiment follows together with drawings. These drawings arefor illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Like numbersrepresent like features and components in the drawings.

At the outset, and as previously stated, it is understood that aspectsof the present invention may be implemented with leak detectors for anytype of liquid, gas, or solid. For example, aspects of the presentinvention may be used with carbon monoxide detectors, carbon dioxidedetectors, temperature detectors, smoke detectors, etc. Aspects of thepresent invention may be used in any environment, and any location,indoors and/or outdoors.

In one exemplary embodiment, a leak detector and monitor assistsproperty owners, such as, for example, residential, industrial,governmental, military, restaurant, hospital, medical, and anycommercial building, to remotely monitor leak problems, such as, forexample, water leaks so that corrective action can be taken to minimizedamage to property. In one exemplary embodiment, the malfunctioningwater pipe or appliance could be manually shut off after a notificationis sent to the user. In another embodiment, the source to themalfunctioning water pipe or the malfunctioning appliance itself can beshut off remotely. In another embodiment, a request for an inspectioncan be initiated wirelessly as well.

In one exemplary embodiment, a leak detector and monitor is comprised ofone or more components. In one exemplary embodiment, a leak detector andalert monitor includes a sensing unit or sensing device (used hereininterchangeably). In one exemplary embodiment, a leak detector and alertmonitor includes a notification protocol. In one exemplary embodiment, aleak detector and alert monitor includes an action device.

In one exemplary embodiment, the sensing unit includes a leak sensor.The leak sensor may be any type of sensor, such as, for example, asensor that detects liquid leaks, gas leaks, or solid leaks. In oneexemplary embodiment, the leak sensor is a water leak sensor. In oneexemplary embodiment the leak sensor is a CO leak sensor.

In one exemplary embodiment, the sensing unit includes amicrocontroller. In one exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller is acomputer on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core,memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. Program memory in theform of Ferroelectric RAM, NOR flash or OTP ROM is also often includedon chip, as well as a typically small amount of RAM. In one exemplaryembodiment, the microcontroller is designed for embedded applications.In one exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller is used toautomatically control various devices, products and processes. In oneexemplary embodiment, mixed signal microcontrollers integrate analogcomponents needed to control non-digital electronic systems, such as,for example, a valve. In one exemplary embodiment, the microcontrollercontains at least one general purpose input/output pin (GPIO). GPIO pinsare software configurable to either an input or an output state. WhenGPIO pins are configured to an input state, they are often used to readsensors or external signals. Configured to the output state, GPIO pinscan drive external devices such as LEDs, valves, etc. Many embeddedsystems need to read sensors that produce analog signals. This is thepurpose of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Since processors arebuilt to interpret and process digital data, i.e. 1s and 0s, they arenot able to do anything with the analog signals that may be sent to themby a device. The ADC is used to convert the incoming data into a formthat the processor can recognize. A less common feature on somemicrocontrollers is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that allows theprocessor to output analog signals or voltage levels. In addition to theconverters, many embedded microprocessors include a variety of timers aswell. One of the most common types of timers is the ProgrammableInterval Timer (PIT). A PIT may either count down from some value tozero, or up to the capacity of the count register, overflowing to zero.Once it reaches zero, it sends an interrupt to the processor indicatingthat it has finished counting. This is useful for devices such asthermostats, which periodically test the temperature around them to seeif they need to turn the air conditioner on, the heater on, etc.

In one exemplary embodiment, once the water leak sensor detects water,by way of, for example, an alert signal, a microcontroller will causethe notification protocol to notify the home owner or representative,such as, for example a call center, or a property manager, or a familyfriend or neighbor, to be notified immediately and a record of thatevent will be logged. In one exemplary embodiment, the notificationprotocol may also initiate other exemplary methods to communicate thedetection of the water, such as, for example, sending an alert email,sending a text message, calling a property manager, friend or neighbor,and/or sending a notification to the owner's smart phone, or tablet. Inone exemplary embodiment, the notification protocol causes a flashinglight or some other visual notification at the unit to alert theproperty occupant. In one exemplary embodiment, the notificationprotocol may cause a sound notification at the unit, such as a large orblaring alarm to alert the responsible parties. In one exemplaryembodiment, the notification protocol communicates to the responsibleparty by way of an email, text message, phone message, or otherelectronic form of communicated message, with the property manager,friend or neighbor, and/or property owner, or person residing at thedwelling, such as, for example an occupant. In one exemplary embodiment,the notification protocol notifies someone who is remote at the time ofthe leak.

In one exemplary embodiment, the notification protocol includes any formof data communication that is transmitted from a device to the user'sdevice or vice versa. In one exemplary embodiment, the notification froma device to an Internet cloud based server(s), such as, for example, anemail server, text message server, a data monitoring server, or anyother electronic communication server, or a local area network (LAN)server by way of a networking protocol using TCP/UDP or secure encryptedprotocols. In one exemplary embodiment, once the Internet cloud basedserver or LAN server receives the communication from the device, theInternet cloud based server or LAN server transmits the interpretedcommunication, with or without further instructions, to the user'sdevice, such as a smart device, be it a smart phone, tablet, mobilecomputer, computer, laptop, or any other computer device. In oneexemplary embodiment, the notification protocol is transmitted from aleak alert device. In one exemplary embodiment, the notificationprotocol is transmitted from a sensor device associated with a leakalert device.

FIG. 1A, is an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, showing an exemplary configuration of an actiondevice 100, or smart valve 100, or WiVA (Wireless Valve Access) 100. Inone exemplary embodiment, action device 100, enables at least one user123, shown in FIG. 1B, to remotely interact with the action device 100,such as, for example, to “turn off” the action device 100, to stop theflow of fluid 18, or the fluid leak 18, shown in FIG. 11. In oneexemplary embodiment, when a user 123, attempts to remotely shut off avalve from his/her electronic device 160, such as, for example, computer160, tablet 160, smartphone 160, laptop 160, as more clearly shown inFIG. 1B, a “turn off” command will be sent to the selected action device100, associated with that particular valve by way of a networkingprotocol using TCP/UDP or secure encrypted protocols. A Wi-Fi module110, on the action device 100, will receive the command, from the user123, and forward, it to a microcontroller 120. In one exemplaryembodiment, the module 110, and the microcontroller 120, may beintegrated into a single module. The microcontroller 120, will interpretthe command, and switch an associated pin 125, “off” by pulling down itsvoltage from high to low. In another exemplary embodiment,microcontroller 120, will interpret the command, and switch anassociated pin 125, off by transmitting an electrical signal. This pin125, is connected to a relay or transistor 130, and switching the pin125, to “off” state results in switching off the relay or transistor130. The power to an electro-mechanically operated valve 140, such as,for example, a solenoid valve 140, is looped through the relay ortransistor 130, and by turning off the relay via a power module 145, tothe valve will be disconnected or powered off. In one exemplaryembodiment, the WiFi module 110, microcontroller 120, and relay 130, areconnected, and/or powered up to the power module 145. The power module145, is connected to a power input 150. In one embodiment, power input150, is an AC/DC input. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, is only anexemplary embodiment, and the arrangement of the various modules andcomponents may be rearranged in any manner to suit the purposes of theaction device 100. Thus, it should be appreciated that, for example, theaction device 100, is secured to a fluid conduit 19, shown in FIG. 11,and wherein at least a portion of an electrical valve 140, of the actiondevice 100, is inside the fluid conduit 19, so as to control the flow ofthe fluid 18, and even to stop the flow of the fluid 18, when commandedby a user 123.

FIG. 1B, illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. In one exemplary embodiment of asensing device 161, or WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 161, or smart alarm161, the home owner or user 123, may login to the leak detector, andalert monitor, anytime, and review the log file, and review the pastalerts, to check what event, at what time happened, and take requiredaction, if necessary. The block diagram in FIG. 1B, shows exemplarycomponents of aspects of the leak detector, and monitor, invention, andthe data flow, between the sensing device 161, and the user's electronicdevice 160, such as, for example, computer 160, tablet 160, smartphone160, laptop 160, and the like, to name a few. In one exemplaryembodiment, a fluid or water leak sensor 165, communicates by way of anelectrical signal with a microcontroller 170. Microcontroller 170,electronically communicates with communication protocols, such as, forexample, a Bluetooth module 175, or a WiFi module 180. In turn, theBluetooth module 175, or the WiFi module 180, communicates with theuser's computer, tablet, smartphone, or laptop 160, For someapplications this communication from the sensing device 161, to theuser's electronic device 160, could be via notification protocols, suchas, for example, an Internet server 910, cloud 910, LAN server 910,directly through point-to-point communications 910, and combinationsthereof, to name a few.

In one exemplary embodiment essential and optional elements of the leakdetector and monitor invention include a water leak sensor 22, one ormore triggers that can generate an indication to the notificationprotocol unless interrupted by a reset module. In one exemplaryembodiment, the trigger(s) is/are also used to disable the notificationprotocol if desired. Control of the trigger is done either by user 123,input or, optionally, a central monitor and control element through anotification protocol. In one exemplary embodiment, an optional positionlocator module may report location information with the indication fromthe water leak sensor 161, to the messaging module.

In one exemplary embodiment, a notification protocol providesinformation exchange between aspects of the leak detector and monitorinvention 161, and the user 123. It also requests and merges informationfrom the optional position locator module which can be a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) unit or similar technology. The reset can takeinput from the user 123, or the system either directly or through thenotification protocol.

In one exemplary embodiment, the user interface would typically beimplemented as a physical interface not limited to dedicated pushbuttons, programmable buttons, motion detectors, physiological, andsound detection and generation devices, or display indications.

In one exemplary embodiment, the leak detector and monitor invention100, 161, may be implemented as a stand-alone portable remote unit withan RF interface or implementation on portable computing platforms suchas PDA's or laptop computers, or UPS guidance systems or car helpsystems (such as, for example, General Motors' OnStar® system) that maybe carried/used by at risk individuals 123. Network based services couldalso use this technology as where the trigger and reset are providedthrough the messaging module from the central monitoring and controlelement.

In one exemplary embodiment, user interface may be via one or more keyson the portable device 160. Alternative input methods include but arenot limited to voice recognition 160, unit movement (iPhone—e.g. shake,invert, etc.) 160, touch screens 160, to name a few. In one exemplaryembodiment, the RF messaging is a cellular system. However, many otherRF systems can enable this invention including any combination ofsatellite, WiFi, WiMax, PMR, Bluetooth and special purpose radio.

Bluetooth 175, and WiFi 180, are the two exemplary and preferable meansto connect to both the sensing device 161, and the action device 100,wirelessly. Bluetooth enabled devices 160, such as, smartphones 160, candiscover, and connect, to both sensing unit 161, and action, units 100,within the signal range. Custom built applications on the smart devicecan configure, monitor and send commands to the device(s) 100, 161. Inone exemplary embodiment, WiFi 180, is another method to connect thesensor devices 161, and the action devices 100. All devices 100, 161, onthe same network can detect Wi-Fi leak alert units and take advantage ofcustom designed applications, which the user 123, can configure, monitorand send commands to the device(s) 100, 161. Moreover, WiFi enabled leakalerts can be accessed remotely from the Internet 910, providing manyadvantages to the user 123. For example, the user 123, can shut off thefluid flow through the leaking pipe connected to the action device 100,remotely (e.g. from work, or even when away on a trip).

FIG. 2, illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, showing an action device 200, orsmart valve 200, or WiVA (Wireless Valve Access) 200, or action unit200, (used interchangeably herein), of the present invention. In oneexemplary embodiment, when an action device 200, is placed in a watersupply system carrying water 18, an electronic valve 210, such as, forexample, a solenoid valve 210, can be placed in the pipeline 19, or thewater supply system 19, or a fluid conduit 19, as more clearly shown inFIG. 11. This electrical valve 210, can be controlled remotely throughsmart applications, phone calls, text message or webpage by accessing anintegrated webserver on the action device 200. The block diagram in FIG.2, illustrates exemplary components of a water leak sensor device anddata flow between aspects of the leak detector and monitor invention andthe user's electronic device 220, such as, for example, computer 220,tablet 220, smartphone 220, laptop 220, to name a few. In one exemplaryembodiment, the user's computer, tablet, smartphone, or laptop 220,communicates wirelessly, with, for example, Bluetooth 225, or WiFi 230.The user's signal is processed in a microcontroller 240, which thencommunicates with electric valve 210. In this manner, the user 123, isable to wirelessly control the electric valve 210, from, for example, aremote location. In another exemplary embodiment, the user 123, is ableto wirelessly shut off electric valve 210, so as to stop the fluid flow18, via the pipe 19.

In one exemplary embodiment, once a water leak 18, is detected, an alertwill be sent to the user 123, or a list of users 123, describing whatpipe 19, or appliance 19, and at what time had a leak problem. The user123, then can send a message back to give a command to the action device100, 200, for instance, to shut off the valve supplying water 18, to theleaking pipe 19, or appliance 19. In one exemplary embodiment, once awater leak 18, is detected, an alert will be emailed to the user 123, ora list of users 123, describing what pipe 19, or appliance 19, at whatlocation and at what time had the problem. In one exemplary embodiment,when an alert occurs, all smart devices configured and paired withaspects of the leak detector and monitoring invention 100, 161, 200,(whether running the iOS or Android operating system) will receive apush notification pop up on their screens showing the alert. The user123, then may launch the monitoring action application to see the eventdetails and take the required action(s). For instance, the user 123, mayshut off the corresponding control valve 100, 200, (if available) orcall a friend or technician to check the pipe 19. In one exemplaryembodiment, each Wi-Fi water leak detector 161, will have an embeddedwebserver that monitors the events and logs them. This webserver can beused to configure a device or number of the devices on the network.Moreover, this webserver can control electronic valves 100, 200, ifrequired. In one exemplary embodiment, whether using a text message,phone call, smart device app or embedded webserver, there is always atwo-way communication between the end user 123, and the Wi-Fi sensor161, or action unit 161. The block diagram in FIG. 3 illustrates anexemplary data flow from aspects of the leak detector 161, and monitorinvention 161, to the user's device 160, 220, and from the user's device160, 220, to the action device 100, 200.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodimentof the present invention, where the inventive water leak sensor 310,microcontroller 170, and Wi-Fi module 180, can be integrated into onemodule 310, such as, for example, the WiFi Leak Sensor 310, or WiLA(Wireless Leak Alarm) 310, or smart alarm 310. In one exemplaryembodiment, the user 123, can communicate with the WiFi Leak Sensor 310.Once activated, WiFi Leak Sensor 310, communicates, for example, analert message, to the user's smart device application 315. Smart deviceapplication 315, includes, for example, but not limited to, sensorconfigurations 385, that includes, networking configurations, thatenable the smart device application 315, to connect to a network hub,such as, an access point or router, that enables wireless communication.Sensor configurations 385, may also include, but not limited to, datesetting, unique identifications, user information, etc., so that smartdevice application 315, can communicate with one or more users 123.Smart device application 315, may also include alert notifications 380,to signal the user 123, that the leak sensor 310, has detected leakage.In another embodiment, smart device application 315, may include, alogged events feature 390, which records past events, such as, leakdetection, power status, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, smart deviceapplication 315, could include, control valve instructions 395, thatenables the user(s) 123, to remotely communicate with WiFi Valve Unit375, or WiVA (Wireless Valve Access) 375, or smart valve 375. In oneexemplary embodiment, an electronic valve, microcontroller, and a WiFimodule are integrated into a single module, such as a WiFi Valve Unit375.

In one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the Wi-Fi LeakSensor 310, could also include the ability to communicate with theuser(s) 123, via any form of notification protocols, such as, forexample, text 320. In one exemplary embodiment, Wi-Fi Leak Sensor 310,could include the feature of sending VoIP phone message 330, when WiFiLeak Sensor 310, detects leakage. In this exemplary embodiment, theuser(s) 123, may respond via VoIP 330, and instruct the action device375, to shut down. In one exemplary embodiment, a Wi-Fi Leak Sensor 310,could include an embedded webserver 340, which could have a sensorconfiguration 350, to monitor events 350, and log events 360, configurea device or number of the devices on the network, and/or controls valves370. In one exemplary embodiment, the user 123, can communicate with theaction unit 375. Once the user 123, receives one or more notifications,such as, for example, notifications 320, and/or 330, the user 123, canuse embedded webserver 340, so that the valves may be controlled, and/orshut ON or OFF remotely.

FIG. 4, illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention using the inventive smart deviceapplications. In one exemplary embodiment, applications will beavailable for Android, iOS or windows mobile devices 160, 220. Theseapplications are responsible for delivering water leak alerts to a user123. Additionally, these applications enable a user 123, to configure,monitor and/or control action devices 100, 200, remotely. In oneexemplary embodiment, smart device application 400, includes enhanceduser 123, interaction features, such as, for example, deviceconfiguration features 410, monitor sensors 420, notifications alerts430, and control over valves 440. These exemplary enhancements enablethe user 123, to remotely be informed of the status of the leak alertsensors 161, 310, and interact with the remote electric valve 140, 210.

FIG. 5, depicts an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the followingoptional components are shown, a microcontroller board 510, an electricvalve 520, a power source for the valve 530, a communication module 540,such as, a Bluetooth module 540, an interface board/relay IC 550, and afluid leak detector 560. In one exemplary embodiment, microcontroller510, Bluetooth module 540, Interface board/relay IC 550, are all housedwith leak detector 560. In one exemplary embodiment, once leak detector560, detects a fluid leak 18, it communicates to a smart device 160,220, such as, for example, device 160, 220. The user 123, can thenrespond, and provide necessary instructions from his smart device 160,220, to the microcontroller 510, which then instructs electric valve520, to shut ON or OFF.

In one exemplary embodiment, the leak alert and monitor system includesat least one leak alert sensor, at least one microcontroller, and a WiFimodule and/or Bluetooth or any other form of wireless communicationmodule housed in single casing to form, for example, a WiFi SensorDevice or Sensor Device. In one exemplary embodiment, an electronicvalve, a microcontroller and WiFi and/or Bluetooth or any other form ofwireless communication module is housed in a WiFi Action Device orAction Device. In one exemplary embodiment, the Sensor Device and theAction Device are either wirelessly or physically connected to transmitand receive electronic signals to exercise control over at least oneelectronic valve. In one exemplary embodiment, an electronic valve isphysically connected to the microcontroller housed within the SensorDevice to receive and transmit electronic signals.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. In one exemplary embodiment, aspects of thepresent invention include the following exemplary components: a leaksensing unit 610, or WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 610, or smart alarm 610,a microcontroller 620, a communication module 630, such as, a WiFimodule or Bluetooth 630, a notification protocol that includes, forexample, an LED indicator 640, or other notifying element, such as, forexample, a buzzer 650, speaker 650, or other similar noise making device650, a power management system (PMS) 660, and a power source 670. In oneexemplary embodiment, the purpose of the power management system (PMS)660, is to provide and maintain required power input for each componentfeature.

FIG. 7, depicts an exemplary diagram of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, showing how one or more smart alarms, or sensingdevice, or WiLA, or sensors 710, 720, 730, 740, are connected to anetwork 750. There could be more than one WiFi router 750, or accesspoint 750, in this configuration. In one exemplary embodiment, sensors710, 720, 730, and 740, are wirelessly connected to the WiFi Router LAN(Local Area Network) 750. In this example, only four (4) sensors areshown, however, there can be any number of sensors. WiFi Router LAN 750,is connected to monitoring server 760, which enables the user 123, toorganize, monitor, and configure, any number of sensors 161, 310, 610,from a minimal number of user interfaces.

FIG. 8, depicts an exemplary diagram of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 8,an exemplary mesh network 810, configuration showing that all WiFisensor alarms 815, 820, 830, 840, 850, or WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm)815, 820, 830, 840, 850, or smart alarm 815, 820, 830, 840, 850, are onthe same network 860, and can be setup as a part of a mesh network 810,to improve the WiFi signal strength, and cover possible dead spots, suchas, for example, in a building. Just like local area network (LAN)configuration explained previously, fluid leak sensors or smart alarms815, 820, 830, 840, and 850, on a mesh network 810, are connected to awireless access point hub or router 860, to communicate with at leastone monitoring server 870. FIG. 8, which illustrates an exemplary meshnetwork 810, configuration, having only five (5) sensors 815, 820, 830,840, 850, however, there can be any number of leak sensors, or smartalarms. Wireless access point hub 860, is connected to at least onemonitoring server 870, which enables the user 123, to organize, monitor,and configure any number of leak sensors from a minimal number of userinterfaces.

FIG. 9, depicts an exemplary diagram of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. In another exemplary way to monitor WiFi water leaksensor alarms 920, 930, or WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 920, 930, or smartalarm 920, 930, having a plurality of fluid leak sensors, can beinstalled, such as, in a large facility, or at a plurality of sites,remotely through, for example, an Internet connection 910, or cloudservices 910. In this method multiple locations or sites 920, 930, canbe added to one central system, and an administrator will be able tomonitor all sites at the same time or in real time or from multiplelocations. In this configuration the monitoring software can beinstalled on a remote site computer (i.e. a monitoring center) 940, tomonitor multiple sites or locations, and facilities, at the same timewith a unified system. For example, an organization may manage more thanone hospital, thus the monitoring server 940, can be located somewhereelse other than the hospitals' locations (i.e. in organization'sheadquarter). FIG. 9, further shows an exemplary remote site(s)monitoring using the Internet 910, or cloud connection 910, for aplurality of locations, and plurality of fluid leak sensors, but beingmanaged or monitored all from a single or a master location. In thisexample, only two (2) sites 920, 930, are shown, however, there can beany number of sites. The monitoring server 940, is shown connected tothe Internet 910, or cloud services 910, which enables the user 123, toorganize, monitor, and configure any number of sites 920, 930, from aminimal number user interfaces. It should be understood that each sensorsite 920, 930, has a plurality of fluid leak sensors, for example, fluidleak sensors 710, 720, 730, 740, that are communicating with themonitoring server 940, via a wireless communication network 750, suchas, for example, a WiFi router 750.

FIG. 10, illustrates an exemplary WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 10, of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The sensing device 10, orWiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 10, or smart alarm 10, basically comprises ofan upper housing or top cover 11, a lower housing or base cover 31. Theupper housing 11, has preferably a top umbrella shaped cover 12, and anillumination window 13, or an illumination ring 13, and a top coverenclosure 14. The top umbrella shaped cover 12, basically allows for anyfluid or liquid that may fall on the sensing device 10, to basicallyroll-off the upper housing 11, and not accumulate on the top surface ofthe upper housing 11, which also makes it splash resistance. Theillumination window 13, could be clear, transparent, or translucent, aslong as the illumination window 13, allows a person or user 123, to bephysically be able to see any light that may be originating from insidethe smart alarm 10. The lower housing 31, has a bottom case or enclosure34, having a base or bottom surface 33, and at least one electronicfluid sensor 22. The electronic fluid sensor rises, for example, atleast one first electrode 22A, having a first polarity 22A, and at leastone second electrode 22B, having a second polarity 22B, such that whenfluid 18, is present and touches both the electrodes 22A, 22B, at thesame time, an electronic circuit is established, and current passesthrough to activate the alarm electronics inside the sensing device 10.The WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 10, also has a leak sensor extensioninput 21, and a push button 38, which can be used as a reset or setupbutton 38, or to turn OFF or ON the sensing device 10, and at least onebumper 36, or screw cap 36, which assists in making the sensing device10, water proof, and also acts as “legs” 36, to keep the sensing device10, a little distance above the ground or floor 118. It should beappreciated that the leak sensor extension input 21, is used to/forextending leak sensor coverage in the cases where there is limitedaccessibility such as corners, under sinks and etc.

FIG. 11, illustrates an exemplary diagram of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the invention 23, comprisingof WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 10, and a WiVA (Wireless Valve Access) 15,having an electrical valve 140, 210, and which is placed in a fluidstream 18, such as, water 18, air 18, pressurized gas 18, which fluid18, flows via a conduit 19, such as, a pipe 19. FIG. 11, further shows aplurality of WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 10, 20, 30, and WiVA (WirelessValve Access) 15, 25, 35, in a network configuration, such that, smartvalve 15, is in-line with pipe or conduit 19, that has a fluid 18,flowing through it, while smart valve 25, is in-line with pipe orconduit 29, that has a fluid 18, flowing through it, and smart valve 35,is in-line with pipe or conduit 39, that has a fluid 18, flowing throughit. For example, a user 123, can sync or pair a pair of WiLA 10, andWiVA 15, for automatic action in respond to leak detection via WiLA 10.Furthermore, each WiVA 15, can be synced or paired with multiple WiLAs10, 20, 30. Similarly, each WiLA 10, can be synced or paired withmultiple WiVAs 15. FIG. 11, illustrates several simple combinations ofWiLA 10, and WiVA 15, pairing or syncing. For example, one can havethree WiLAs 10, 20, 30, and three WiVAs 15, 25, 35, and as one can seethat WiLA 10, is paired or synced with all the three available WiVAs 15,25, 35, but WiLA 20, is only paired or synced with WiVA 25, and 35. WiVA35, is only paired or synced with WiLA 30, but WiVA 35, is paired orsynced with all the three WiLAs 10, 20, 30. It should be understood thatone or more number of WiLA's can be paired or synced with one or morenumber of WiVAs, and vice versa. Thus, as one can appreciate that atleast one wireless leak alarm device can be paired or synced with atleast two of the action devices, and similarly, at least two of thewireless leak alarm devices can be paired or synced with at least oneaction device. Such a configuration also creates a redundancy, as wellas a back-up mode for the devices. It should be appreciated that each ofthe sensing devices 10, 20, 30, and the corresponding smart valves 15,25, 35, could be at the same location or at a different location, aslong as they can all electronically communicate with each other, asset-up by the user 123, and also electronically be able to communicatewith the user 123.

Thus as one can see from FIG. 11, that WiLA 10, and WiVA 15, cancommunicate directly with each other, once they are paired or synced,especially, if they are in the proximity of each other. For securityreasons, it is preferred to use a unique encrypted protocol which couldbe initialized during the initial paring of the two units. Thispoint-to-point communication is beneficial when a local network is downfor any reason, such as, for example, a power outage or a wirelessrouter failure. Each WiLA 10, preferably keeps a record of paired WiVAs15, 25, 35, and their private encryption key in its internal memory, andwhen a leak is detected it transmits a shut OFF signal to the entirepaired valve 15, 25, 35. However, a user 123, can disable this feature,if needed.

It should be appreciated that all the paired WiVAs 15, 25, 35, with auser's smart device 160, 220, can be controlled manually from the LeakAlarm Application on the user's smart device 160, 220. For example, auser 123, can see the current status of the all paired WiVAs 15, 25, 35,and manually turn them OFF or ON. Similarly, a cloud based service couldbe used to monitor and control all the configured and registered WiLAs10, 20, 30, and WiVAs 15, 25, 35, to check if they are online or not.

For some applications all the WiLA 10, 20, 30, and WiVA 15, 25, 35,devices on a given network system could be programed to, for example,wake up from a sleep mode at a given interval or time, such as, forexample, every 24 hours, or 8 AM every day, and transmit a handshake toa server, and provide status information, such as, for example, batterylevel status. If the server doesn't receive the handshake signal at theexpected time or interval, then the server software could assume thatthere is something wrong with the unit 10, 20, 30, 15, 25, 35, etc., forexample, that either the battery 37, is dead, or that there is a networkconnectivity issue. In such an event, the system would notify the useror administrator 123, to take an action or further look into thismatter.

As mentioned earlier that during the status hand shake between WiLA 10,20, 30, and the cloud server 760, 940, the WiLA 10, 20, 30, could alsobe programmed to transmit, for example, the current level of the battery37, to the cloud based sever 940. If the reported battery level of WiLA10, 20, 30, is too low, it could notify or alert the user 123, to changethe battery 37, or take an appropriate action.

There could be a situation where a user 123, was not available when, forexample, a notification was sent, such as, for example, a leaknotification, or for some reason the user 123, missed the transmittednotification. However, with this invention the WiLA 10, 20, 30, alsokeeps an event log in its internal memory, along with the log beingavailable on the Internet 910, or on the cloud based server 760, 940,and so it is now possible for a user 123, to get information on thestatus from a plurality of locations. With the new cloud based logging,now a user 123, can access to all the events from all the paired. WiLAs10, 20, 30, and WiVAs 15, 25, 35, through the App. Similarly, a user123, can also filter the events log to an event of his/her interest. Theinventive app is capable of generating events log report for futurereference. The generated report can be printed, exported to a file, orsent as an email attachment, to name a few.

When a user's smart device 160, 220, is connected to the same network asWiLAs 10, 20, 30, or WiVAs 15, 25, 35, it can be easily paired with anexisting configured WiLA 10, 20, 30. On the pairing page of the app, itwill show all available paired, and unpaired, WiLAs 10, 20, 30, andWiVAs 15, 25, 35. A user 123, can save configuration data on their smartdevice 160, 220, for quick programing of multiple WiLAs 10, 20, 30, orWiVAs 15, 25, 35. As stated earlier that, preferably, all communicationbetween WiLA 10, 20, 30, WiVA 15, 25, 35, and a sever 760, 940, areencrypted, and secured.

FIG. 12, illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary WiLA (WirelessLeak Alarm) 10, of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Typically, the sensing device 10, or WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) unit 10,or smart alarm 10, basically comprises of an upper housing 11, or topcover 11, which is joined to a lower housing 31, or base cover 31. Theupper housing 11, preferably has a top umbrella shaped cover 12, anillumination window 13, or an illumination ring 13, and a top cover orenclosure 14. The top umbrella shaped cover 12, basically allows for anyfluid 18, or liquid 18, that may fall on the sensing device 10, tobasically roll-off the upper housing 11, and not accumulate on the topsurface of the upper housing 11, which also makes it splash resistance.The illumination window 13, could be clear, transparent, or translucent,as long as the illumination window 13, allows a person or user 123, tobe physically be able to see any light that may be emitting ororiginating from inside the smart alarm 10. The lower housing 31, has abottom case or enclosure 34, having a base or bottom surface 33, and atleast one electronic fluid sensor 22, or probe 22. The electronic fluidsensor 22, comprises of a first electrode 22A, having a first polarity22A, and a second electrode 22B, having a second polarity 22B, such thatwhen fluid 18, is present and touches both the electrodes 22A, 22B, atthe same time, an electronic circuit is established, and current passesthrough to activate the alarm electronics inside the sensing device 10.The WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 10, also has a leak sensor extensioninput 21, and a push button 38, which can be used as a reset or setupbutton 38. Between the upper housing 11, and the lower housing 31, andinside the WiLA unit 10, there is at least one PCB Board 16, that hassecured thereto the necessary electrical components, at least onebattery holder 17, to accommodate at least one battery 37, at least onesensor contact 32, that electrically connect with the external leaksensor probes 22, or external electrodes 22, at least one LED 26, and atleast one buzzer 28, or a loud sound emitter 28. The upper housing 11,and the lower housing 31, could be secured to each other by means wellknown in the art, such as, welding, gluing, bayonet type connection,threaded connection, pressure fitted into each other, to name a few. Forthe purposes of illustration, at least one securing means 24, such as, ascrew 24, is used to secure the upper housing 11, to the lower housing31. For marketing or cosmetic purposes one could also hide the securingmeans 24, by a hiding means 36, such as, for example, a rubber bumper36, a screw cap 36, to name a few.

FIG. 13, illustrates a first side cut-away view of an exemplary WiLA(Wireless Leak Alarm) 10, of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The WiLA unit 10, is shown in an assembled format with thecontents securely held between the upper housing 11, and the lowerhousing 31, and with the upper housing 11, and the lower housing 31,mated or secured to each other.

FIG. 14, illustrates a second side cut-away view of an exemplary WiLA(Wireless Leak Alarm) 10, of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention in a fully assembled, and operational state. As one can seethat at least one of the fluid or leak detecting electrodes 22, are onthe side of the housing 11, 31, and the leak detecting electrodes 22,extending onto the outer surface of the base or bottom surface 33, ofthe lower housing 31. As one can appreciate that a fluid 18, that isleaking would either come in contact with the WiLA unit 10, on the sideof the surface 11, 31, or the base surface 33, and thus each of thesetwo locations would trigger the fluid leak alarm 10, when the leakingfluid 18, comes in contact with the two probes or electrodes 22A, 22B,of the leak detecting probe 22.

FIG. 15, illustrates an exemplary WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 223, of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. As one can see that thesmart alarm 223, or Wireless Leak Alarm 223, or sensing device 223,shown in FIG. 15, is similar to the smart alarm 10, or Wireless LeakAlarm 10, shown in FIG. 10, however, the smart alarm 223, does not haveany opening or holes on the bottom surface 33, of the bottom case orhousing 34, such that the bottom surface 33, has no openings or cracksfor any fluid 18, to enter the inside of the smart alarm 223, via eitherthe bottom surface 33, or the bottom case or housing 34. Furthermore, asone can appreciate that the two electrodes 22A, 22B, are along the sideof the lower housing 31, and they also extend a little distance alongthe base or bottom surface 33, of the bottom case or housing 34.However, for some applications the two electrodes 22A, 22B, of the leakdetecting probe could extend from one end to the opposite end of thebottom surface 33, of the bottom case or housing 34.

FIG. 16, illustrates an exemplary WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 323, of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention, while floating in a fluid18. As one can see that the smart alarm 323, or Wireless Leak Alarm 323,or sensing device 323, shown in FIG. 16, is similar to the smart alarm10, or Wireless Leak Alarm 10, shown in FIG. 10, however, the smartalarm 323, is constructed in such a way that when it encounters a fluidleak 18, such as, for example, flooding 18, or a water leak 18, on afloor or ground or surface 118, it does not sink into the leaking fluid18, or allows the leaking fluid 18, to enter the inside the smart alarm323, but that it floats above the leaking fluid 18, or flood 18, whilethe probe 22, is in contact with the leaking fluid 18, and the LED 26,is transmitting or emitting LED light 126, the buzzer or speaker 28, isgenerating a noise or a buzzing sound 128, and the communicationelectronics are sending a wireless signal 177, such as, a Bluetoothsignal 177, a WiFi signal 177, to name a few. Thus, as one canappreciate that the sensing device 323, operates effectively in aleaking fluid 18, condition, but does not get destroyed, and can be usedagain and again after the leaking fluid 18, emergency has beenaddressed. The sensing device 323, is preferably made of a material thatis lighter than the fluid 18, so that the sensing device 323, naturallyfloats under fluid leak or flood conditions. Also, the sensing device323, either does not have any holes or openings in at least the bottomcase or housing 34, so as to allow for the penetration or a passage forthe leaking fluid 18, to enter the inside of the sensing device 323, orthat the bottom surface 33, has at least one water proofing screw cap36, or at least one water proofing sealant 36, to plug or waterproof anyopening for the screw 24, or similar such structure 24. Similarly, theportion of the sensor probe 22, which is not anticipated to be incontact with a fluid 18, could either be made waterproof, or have acoating of at least one fluid proof sealant 27. This waterproofing orfluid proofing is especially important for the area where the sensorprobe 22, enters the housing 11, 14, 31, 34, of the smart alarm 323. Itshould be appreciated that the floating solution for the smart alarm323, is a combination of mechanical design, and material selection. Animportant point is that the buoyancy or buoyant force (which depends onthe properties of the fluid 18, and the weight/volume of the smart alarm323) exceeds the gravity or sinking force, and allows the smart alarm323, to naturally float over the fluid 18. Thus, as one can appreciatethat the inventive smart alarm 323, is also splash resistance, whichhelps extend the useful life of the sensing device 323. Thus, it shouldbe appreciated that both the wireless leak alarm device 10, and theaction device 15, can be made waterproof. It should be understood thatthe wireless leak alarm device 323, has at least one fluid leakbroadcast means, and wherein the fluid leak broadcast means could beselected from a group comprising of a LED light emitter 26, a lightemitter 26, a speaker 28, a sound maker 28, a buzzer 28, a Bluetoothcommunicator 177, a WiFi communicator 177, a wireless communicator 177,and combinations thereof, to name a few.

FIG. 17, illustrates an exemplary diagram of an exemplary communicationnetwork embodiment 500, of the present invention. As has been statedearlier that the WiLA 10, WiVA 15, user 123, router or LAN 750, monitorserver 760, and the Internet cloud communication 910, communicate eachwith the other in a number of ways. For example, the WiLA 10, cancommunicate with a user 123, via a router 750, or a monitor server 760,or the Internet cloud based communication network 910, and vice versa.Similarly, the WiVA 15, can communicate with a user 123, via a router750, or a monitor server 760, or the Internet cloud based communicationnetwork 910, and vice versa. As one can appreciate that a WiLA 10, canbe at a first location, and that the WiVA 15, can be at a secondlocation, but they do wirelessly communicate each with the other, suchas, either directly, or via a router 750, or the monitor server 760, orthe Internet cloud based communication network 910. Thus, in case if oneor more of a leg of the communication network 500, breaks down then thecommunication network 500, has built-in redundancies, and back-ups toallow wireless communications between the various components within thecommunication network 500.

FIG. 18, illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary WiLA (WirelessLeak Alarm) 50, of another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. Typically, the sensing device 50, or WiLA (Wireless LeakAlarm) unit 50, or smart alarm 50, basically comprises of an upperhousing 51, or top cover 51, which is joined to a lower housing 31, orbase cover 31. The upper housing 51, preferably has a top umbrellashaped cover 52, an illumination window 53, or an illumination ring 53,and a top cover or enclosure 54. The top umbrella shaped cover 52,basically allows for any fluid 18, or liquid 18, that may fall on thesensing device 50, to basically roll-off the upper housing 51, and notaccumulate on the top surface of the upper housing 51, which also makesit splash resistance. The illumination window 53, could be clear,transparent, or translucent, as long as the illumination window 53,allows a person or user 123, to be physically be able to see any lightthat may be emitting or originating from inside the smart alarm 50. Thelower housing 31, has a bottom case or enclosure 34, having a base orbottom surface 33, and at least one electronic fluid sensor 22, or probe22. The electronic fluid sensor 22, comprises of a first electrode 22A,having a first polarity 22A, and a second electrode 22B, having a secondpolarity 22B, such that when fluid 18, is present and touches both theelectrodes 22A, 22B, at the same time, an electronic circuit isestablished, and current passes through to activate the alarmelectronics inside the sensing device 50. The WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm)50, also has a leak sensor extension input 21, and a push button 38,which can be used as a reset or setup button 38. Between the upperhousing 51, and the lower housing 31, and inside the WiLA unit 50, thereis at least one PCB Board 76, that has secured thereto the necessaryelectrical components, at least one battery holder 57, to accommodate atleast one battery 37, at least one sensor contact 32, that electricallyconnect with the external leak sensor probes 22, or external electrodes22, at least one LED 26, and at least one buzzer 28, or a loud soundemitter 28. The upper housing 51, and the lower housing 31, could besecured to each other by means well known in the art, such as, welding,gluing, bayonet type connection, threaded connection, pressure fittedinto each other, to name a few. For the purposes of illustration, atleast one securing means 24, such as, a screw 24, is used to secure theupper housing 51, to the lower housing 31. For marketing or cosmeticpurposes one could also hide the securing means 24, by a hiding means36, such as, for example, a rubber bumper 36, a screw cap 36, to name afew. The WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, of the present invention,further has at least one visual observation device 65, such as, forexample, at least one side camera 65, at least one side LED 66, at leastone NIR LED 67, at least one light sensor 60, and at least one solarpanel 55. For some applications one could also have a channel 72A, toguide or accommodate the electrode 22A, and similarly one could alsohave a channel 72B, to guide or accommodate the electrode 22B. It shouldbe appreciated that the channels 72A, 72B, not only guide thecorresponding electrodes 22A, 22B, during manufacturing, but alsoprotect the electrodes 22A, 22B, during use. The upper housing 54, couldalso have an opening or hole 38A, to allow for the passage of the pushbutton 38, and to also allow for the free movement of the push button38. Similarly, the upper housing 54, could also have an opening or hole21A, to accommodate the leak sensor extension input 21. For someapplications the upper housing 51, could have an electronic strip 69,and where the electronic strip 69, could be used to house at least oneelectronic component, such as, for example, the camera 65, the LED 66,the NIR LED 67, and the upper housing 51, could also have a location69A, to accommodate the electronic strip 69.

As shown in FIG. 18, the at least one side camera capable of capturingvisible light, NIR light, and heat imaging 65, could be a standaloneside camera 65, or it could be integrated with another feature, such as,for example, with the at least one side LED 66. For some applications itis preferred that the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, has a plurality ofside cameras 65, such as, for example, a first or front side camera 65,a second or back side camera 65, a third or right side camera 65, afourth or left side camera 65, or for example, having side cameras 65,that are spaced at an angular space from each other, such as, at 60degrees angle from each other, at 90 degrees angle from each other, at120 degrees angle from each other, etc. Having one or more side cameraswill provide the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, with an “eye”, for theuser 123, to be able to see, or for recording an event or capture livevideo/image, such as, getting activated upon the electrodes 22A, 22B,encountering a fluid 18, or it could be recording a periodic check assetup by a user 123. It should be appreciated that the at least one sidecamera 65, is electrically connected to at least one camera module 365,which is connected to the PCB Board 76. The camera module 365, iscapable of capturing videos, and pictures in predefined or customevents, such as, daily schedule, in the case of leak detection, ondemand, to name a few. The captured content, such as, videos, and/orpictures can be sent to the cloud and/or user device 160, 220. Visibleflash light, and/or an IR sensor, can also be added to the WiLA(Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, to help improve the image quality, especially,in dark environments. The camera module 365, placement, with or withoutlenses, are preferably placed in a way to provide the maximum field andangle of view for the camera 65. The Camera module 365, minimizes theinaccurate or false alarms as the user 123, will now have access to liveand/or recorded images, and videos, when a leak is detected. Also, nowthere is no reason for the verification for the alarm, such as, by doinga site visit, which in some cases may not be feasible on a short time ornotice. The camera 65, with the help of a light sensor 60, could be usedto determine the necessity of using IR light, and/or visible light, tocapture better videos, and photos. Visible light source can beintegrated into the camera module 365, or the LED ring or a ring of LEDs66, can be programmed to emit NIR light, such as, by using NIR LEDs 67.This feature can be used on demand, and/or in a predefined event, suchas, leakage detection, or time-based schedules, such as, daily, weekly,monthly, randomly, periodically, to name a few. The captured images, andvideos are preferably compressed to minimize the data communication withthe cloud server or the user's device 160, 220. Similar device-cloudcommunication protocol that were developed earlier can also be used forthe new data transfer. The WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, supportsnotification feature for multiple users 123, and their devices 160, 220,and user 123, has access to the archived content, such as, photos, andvideos, of course subject to free space on the cloud, or server. Itshould be appreciated that the camera module 365, captures and retainsphotos, and videos, in various formats and different resolutions. Thisinvention also allows for an on demand live video, or scheduled photo,and video capturing. As stated earlier that the microprocessorcompresses video, and photos, to minimize bandwidth, and cloud spaceusage or storage. An important benefit of the camera 65, is that itprovides a validation tool for the alarms in real-time. For someapplications the visible light, and IR modules, can be integrated intoone module with the camera module 365, or the LED ring 66, can be used.Similarly, for some applications the camera lens can be integrated intothe camera module 365, such as, to improve the field of view. It shouldbe appreciated that the camera 65, which is used in the WiLA (WirelessLeak Alarm) 50, is capable of high-quality images, and video, withexcellent color fidelity to endoscopes. Some of the cameras 65, couldhave a wide field-of-view capabilities with short focus distance, andlow power consumption. Image quality, and camera features can becontrolled by the microprocessor, and can be optimized based on theapplication and location of the camera 65, or the WiLA (Wireless LeakAlarm) 50. The camera module 365, with or without the IR/Visible lightsources, can be electrically connected to the main board viageneral-purpose input/output (GPIO) ports, and power up by the powerharvesting module (PHM) 575, and/or the batteries 37. In the case ofhaving a driver board, the board can be placed between the camera module365, and the main board 76. The light sensor 60, can be connecteddirectly to the main board 76, through GPIO and communicates with themicroprocessor. The camera module 365, is preferably placed on the outersurface of the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, in way that preferablycovers the 360 degrees of the surrounding area. For some applicationscompatible camera lenses can also be mounted on the camera module 365,in order to improve the field of view. The light sensor 60, which ispreferably mounted on the top cover 54, senses the environmental light,and turns ON the NIR LED 67, at the video, and/or picture capturingtime. The firmware used to support the camera 65, can be modified togive the microprocessor access to the camera module 365, settings toconfigure the parameters, as needed, or desired by the user 123. Itshould be understood the firmware can be updated with video, and/orphoto compression features. The firmware, cloud, and user software canalso be modified to support capturing content, such as, video, photo,transmission, streaming, storage, notification, to name a few.

As shown in FIG. 18, the at least one side LED 66, could be a singleside LED 66, or it could be a plurality of side LEDs 66. For someapplications it is preferred that the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, hasa plurality of side LEDs 66, such as, for example, a first or front sideLED 66, a second or back side LED 66, a third or right side LED 66, afourth or left side LED 66, or for example, having side LEDs 66, thatare spaced at an angular space from each other, such as, at 60 degreesangle from each other, at 90 degrees angle from each other, at 120degrees angle from each other, etc. Having one or more side LEDs willprovide the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, with a primary orsupplemental visual indicator for the user 123, to be able to see whatis happening with the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50. For someapplications the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, could have a pair ofside LEDs 66, such as, a first pair side LED 66A, and a second pair sideLED 66B, and where, for example, the first pair side LED 66A, could be ared side pair LED 66A, while the second pair side LED 66B, could be ablue side pair LED 66B. The pair or LEDs 66A, 66B, which could either bein the ring 53, and/or on the side of the upper housing 51, and could beused to indicate the status of the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, suchas, for example, a blinking red LED 66A, could indicate that a fluidleak 18, has been detected, and in this case the buzzer 28, would go offas well, or that the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, is not connected toany WiFi network, and that no user 123, has connected to the unitdirectly. A solid red LED 66A, could indicated that the WiLA (WirelessLeak Alarm) 50, is not connected to a network, or that at least one user123, has connected to the unit 50, directly. A blinking blue LED 66B,could indicate that the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, is connected to aWiFi network, but that no user 123, has connected to the unit 50,directly. A solid blue LED 66B, could be used to indicate that the WiLA(Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, is connected to a network, and that at leastone user 123, has connected to the unit 50, directly.

As shown in FIG. 18, the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, could also haveat least one NIR LED 67. For some applications one could have, forexample, four sets of two NIR LEDs 67A, 67B, and these NIR LED's 67,could be on the upper housing 54, and preferably around the top or uppercircumference of the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, and these four setsof two NIR LEDs 67A, 67B, could be used in a variety of ways, such as,for example, to provide additional light when additional light is neededfor the side camera 65. For some applications the NIR LEDs 67, could bepaired with the side camera 65, and/or the at least one side LED 66.

As shown in FIG. 18, the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, also has atleast one light sensor 60, that could be used to help the camera 65, ifadditional light would be needed or to help activated the NIR LED 67, orthe light sensor 60, which could be located on the top cover 54, couldbe used to sense the environmental light, and if there is insufficientlight for taking a video or photos via the at least one side camera 65,to send a signal to the PCB board 76, to activate or turn ON the NIRLEDs 67, which would preferably be located on upper or top circumferenceor outside side wall of the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50.

As shown in FIG. 18, the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, also has atleast one solar panel 55. The at least one solar panel 55, could bealong the external sidewall of the upper housing 51, or on the topsurface of the top cover 54. The at least one solar panel could also beelectronically connected to the at least one light sensor 60, whichcould assist the at least one solar panel 55, to collect light andconvert it into energy, such as, to charge or recharge the rechargeablebattery 37, or to provide primary or secondary power to any of theelectronic devices, such as, for example, the at least one camera 65,the at least one LED 66, the at least one NIR LED 67, the at least onelight sensor 60, and combinations thereof, to name a few. The solarpanels 55, which are mounted on the top cover 54, are electricallyconnected to the harvesting board 76.

FIG. 19, illustrates a first side cut-away cross-sectional view of anexemplary WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 50, of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. The WiLA unit 50, is shown in an assembled formatwith the contents securely held between the upper housing 51, and thelower housing 31, and with the upper housing 51, and the lower housing31, mated or secured to each other.

FIG. 20, illustrates a second side cut-away cross-sectional view of anexemplary WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 70, of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention in a fully assembled, and operational state. Asone can see that at least one of the fluid or leak detecting electrodes22, are on the side of the housing 51, 31, and the leak detectingelectrodes 22, extending onto the outer surface of the base or bottomsurface 33, of the lower housing 31. As one can appreciate that a fluid18, that is leaking would either come in contact with the WiLA unit 70,on the side of the surface 51, 31, or the base surface 33, and thus eachof these two locations would trigger the fluid leak alarm 70, when theleaking fluid 18, comes in contact with the two probes or electrodes22A, 22B, of the leak detecting probe 22. For some applications aportion of the sensor probe 22, which is not anticipated to be incontact with a fluid 18, could either be made waterproof, or have acoating of at least one fluid proof sealant 27. This waterproofing orfluid proofing is especially important for the area where the sensorprobe 22, enters the housing 11, 14, 31, 34 51, 54, of the smart alarm70.

FIG. 21, illustrates an exemplary WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 80, of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention in a fully assembled, andoperational state. As one can see that the smart alarm 80, or WirelessLeak Alarm 80, or sensing device 80, shown in FIG. 21, is similar to thesmart alarm 10, or Wireless Leak Alarm 10, shown in FIG. 10, however,the smart alarm 80, now has additional features, such as, for example,at least one side camera 65, at least one side LED 66, at least one NIRLED 67, at least one light sensor 60, and at least one solar panel 55.Furthermore, the WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 80, also does not have anyopening or holes on the bottom surface 33, of the bottom case or housing34, such that the bottom surface 33, has no openings or cracks for anyfluid 18, to enter the inside of the smart alarm 80, via either thebottom surface 33, or the bottom case or housing 34. Furthermore, as onecan appreciate that the two electrodes 22A, 22B, are along the side ofthe lower housing 31, and they also extend a little distance along thebase or bottom surface 33, of the bottom case or housing 34. However,for some applications the two electrodes 22A, 22B, of the leak detectingprobe could extend from one end to the opposite end of the bottomsurface 33, of the bottom case or housing 34.

FIG. 22, illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention 312, where the inventive water leaksensor 310, microcontroller 170, and Wi-Fi module 180, can be integratedinto one module 310, such as, for example, the WiFi Leak Sensor 310, orWiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 310, or smart alarm 310. At least one visualobservation device 65, such as, for example, a camera 65, a videorecording device 65, a video recording and transmitting device 65, andthe like, are electronically connected with the inventive water leaksensor 310, via at least one visual observation device module 365. Inone exemplary embodiment, the user 123, can communicate with the WiFiLeak Sensor 310. Once activated, WiFi Leak Sensor 310, communicates, forexample, an alert message, to the user's smart device application 315.Smart device application 315, includes, for example, but not limited to,sensor configurations 385, that includes, networking configurations,that enable the smart device application 315, to connect to a networkhub, such as, an access point or router, that enables wirelesscommunication, or via a two way communication with the at least onevisual observation device 65. Sensor configurations 385, may alsoinclude, but not limited to, date setting, unique identifications, userinformation, etc., so that smart device application 315, can communicatewith one or more users 123. Smart device application 315, may alsoinclude alert notifications 380, to signal the user 123, that the leaksensor 310, has detected leakage. In another embodiment, smart deviceapplication 315, may include, a logged events feature 390, which recordspast events, such as, leak detection, power status, etc. In oneexemplary embodiment, smart device application 315, could include,control valve instructions 395, that enables the user(s) 123, toremotely communicate with WiFi Valve Unit 375, or WiVA (Wireless ValveAccess) 375, or smart valve 375. In one exemplary embodiment, anelectronic valve, microcontroller, and a WiFi module are integrated intoa single module, such as a WiFi Valve Unit 375. It should also beappreciated that a user 123, can activate the at least one visualobservation device 65, at any time to visually observe the surroundingaround the inventive water leak sensor 310. However, when a user 123, isalerted about a leak 18, the user can activate the at least one visualobservation device 65, and visually see what is going on, or in someapplications that inventive water leak sensor 310, would automaticallyactivate the at least one visual observation device 65, and so the user123, can see the fluid leaking environment in real time along with thenotification of the fluid leak 18.

In one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the Wi-Fi LeakSensor 310, could also include the ability to communicate with theuser(s) 123, via any form of notification protocols, such as, forexample, text 320, via visual observation device 65, and the like. Inone exemplary embodiment, Wi-Fi Leak Sensor 310, could include thefeature of sending VoIP phone message 330, when WiFi Leak Sensor 310,detects leakage. In this exemplary embodiment, the user(s) 123, mayrespond via VoIP 330, and instruct the action device 375, to shut down.In one exemplary embodiment, a Wi-Fi Leak Sensor 310, could include anembedded webserver 340, which could have a sensor configuration 350, tomonitor events 350, and log events 360, configure a device or number ofthe devices on the network, and/or controls valves 370. In one exemplaryembodiment, the user 123, can communicate with the action unit 375. Oncethe user 123, receives one or more notifications, such as, for example,notifications 320, and/or 330, the user 123, can use embedded webserver340, so that the valves may be controlled, and/or shut ON or OFFremotely.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention 512, where the inventive water leaksensor 310, microcontroller 170, and Wi-Fi module 180, and at least onepower harvesting module (PHM) 575, can be integrated into one module310, such as, for example, the WiFi Leak Sensor 310, or WiLA (WirelessLeak Alarm) 310, or smart alarm 310. The at least one power harvestingmodule 575, is electronically linked with at least one solar panel 55,via a solar electronic system 555. The at least one solar panel 55,generates electrical power, which is then either stored in the battery37, or is used in real time by the inventive water leak sensor 310, torun the active electronics.

FIG. 24, illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. In one exemplary embodiment of asensing device 162, or WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 162, or smart alarm162, the home owner or user 123, may login to the leak detector 162, andalert monitor 162, anytime, and review the log file, and review the pastalerts, to check what event, at what time happened, and take requiredaction, if necessary. The block diagram in FIG. 24, shows exemplarycomponents of aspects of the leak detector 162, and monitor 162,invention, and the data flow, between the sensing device 162, and theuser's electronic device 160, such as, for example, computer 160, tablet160, smartphone 160, laptop 160, and the like, to name a few. At leastone visual observation device module 365, is also electronicallyconnected with the microcontroller 170. In one exemplary embodiment, afluid or water leak sensor 165, communicates by way of an electricalsignal with a microcontroller 170. Microcontroller 170, electronicallycommunicates with communication protocols, such as, for example, aBluetooth module 175, or a WiFi module 180. In turn, the Bluetoothmodule 175, or the WiFi module 180, communicates with the user'scomputer, tablet, smartphone, or laptop 160. For some applications thiscommunication from the sensing device 162, to the users device could bevia notification protocols, such as, for example, an Internet server910, cloud 910, LAN server 910, directly through point-to-pointcommunications 910, and combinations thereof, to name a few. For someapplications the microcontroller 170, could automatically activate theat least one visual observation device 65, once the water leak sensor165, has detected the fluid leak 18. For some applications the user 123,could communicate with the at least one visual observation device 65,via the microcontroller 170.

FIG. 25, illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention using the inventive smart deviceapplications 425. In one exemplary embodiment, applications 425, will beavailable for Android, iOS or windows mobile devices 160, 220. Theseapplications 425, are responsible for delivering water leak alerts to auser 123. Additionally, these applications enable a user 123, toconfigure, monitor and/or control action devices 100, 200, remotely. Inone exemplary embodiment, smart device application 400, includesenhanced user 123, interaction features, such as, for example, deviceconfiguration features 410, monitor sensors 420, notifications alerts430, control over valves 440, and at least one visual observation devicemodule 365. These exemplary enhancements enable the user 123, toremotely be informed of the status of the leak alert sensors 161, 162,310, and interact with the remote electric valve 140, 210.

FIG. 26, depicts an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodimentof the present invention 525. In one exemplary embodiment, the followingoptional components are shown, a microcontroller board 510, an electricvalve 520, a power source for the valve 530, at least one powerharvesting module (PHM) 575, a communication module 540, such as, aBluetooth module 540, an interface board/relay IC 550, and a fluid leakdetector 560. In one exemplary embodiment, microcontroller 510,Bluetooth module 540, interface board/relay IC 550, at least one powerharvesting module 575, are all housed within the leak detector 560. Inone exemplary embodiment, once leak detector 560, detects a fluid leak18, it communicates to a smart device 160, 220, such as, for example,device 160, 220. The user 123, can then respond, and provide necessaryinstructions from his smart device 160, 220, to the microcontroller 510,which then instructs electric valve 520, to shut ON or OFF.

FIG. 27 depicts an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention 675. In one exemplary embodiment, aspects of thepresent invention include the following exemplary components: a leaksensing unit 610, or WiLA (Wireless Leak Alarm) 610, or smart alarm 610,a microcontroller 620, a communication module 630, such as, a WiFimodule or Bluetooth 630, a notification protocol that includes, forexample, an LED indicator 640, or other notifying element, such as, forexample, a buzzer 650, speaker 650, or other similar noise making device650, a power management system (PMS) 660, and a power source 670, atleast one power harvesting module (PHM) 575, and at least one visualobservation device 65, such as, for example, at least one camera module365. In one exemplary embodiment, the purpose of the power managementsystem (PMS) 660, is to provide, and maintain required power input foreach component feature.

With this invention one can extend the useful life of the variouscomponents of the inventive sensor 23, such as, for example, one canconserve the battery consumption to almost zero during the unit's sleepmode. This will increase the required battery replacement interval tothe shelf life of the battery 37. In this design, once the user 123,stops interacting with WiLA 10, 20, 30, the WiLA unit 10, 20, 30, wouldgo into a sleep mode. During the sleep mode WiLA 10, 20, 30, has theminimum battery consumption of, for example, less than 4 μA. The onlyelement that the circuit keeps running during the sleep period is theclock IC (Internal Clock) to keep track of time, calendar and toinitiate time based wake up interrupts. At the given intervals, forexample, every 24 hours, or say 9 AM every morning, the calendar IC(Internal Clock) wakes up the WiLA unit 10, 20, 30, to report its statusto the server 760, 940, and/or the user 123.

The illumination window 13, or the illumination ring 13, could also bean LED ring 13, or have an LED 26, on the top or upper side of the PCBBoard 16, so that light from the LED 26, would be visible on the topsurface of the upper housing 11, of the WiLA 10. For the purposes ofillustration, and not any limitation, the LED ring 13, could be acombination of at least one Blue LED 26, and at least one Red LED 26,and their light emissions could be used to show the current state of theLED 26, or the status of the WiLA 10, such as, for example, a blinkingRed LED 26, could mean that a fluid leak has been detected, and in thiscase the buzzer 28, would also automatically be activated. Similarly, ablinking Red LED 26, with a different pulse interval could mean that theWiLA 10, unit is not connected to any WiFi network, or that a user 123,for some reason, cannot directly connect to the WiLA unit 10. Forexample, a solid Red LED 26, light emission could mean that the WiLAunit 10, is not connected to a network, or that at least one user 123,has connected to the WiLA unit 10, directly. Similarly, a blinking BlueLED 26, emission could mean that the WiLA unit 10, is connected to aWiFi network, or that no user 123, is connected to the WiLA unit 10,directly. A solid Blue LED 26, light emission could mean that the WiLAunit 10, is connected to a network, or that at least one user 123, hasconnected to the WiLA unit 10, directly. The color or color combinationfor the LED 26, could be decided by a user 123, or a manufacturer of theinventive device 23, and similarly the blinking frequency, intensity,etc., could either be pre-programed, or programed by a user 123, bymeans which are well known in the art.

The inventive new valve control system on WiVA 15, 25, 35, can controlthe latching valve 140, 210, that is inside the pipe 19, 29, 39, togenerate the ON, and OFF signals, to the valve 140, 210, so as to eitheropen the valve 140, 210, or to shut it OFF. Since the ON, and OFF signalinput to the valve 140, 210, is using the same common wire, the WiVAcircuit generates control signal in a way that it doesn't cause anymomentarily conflict between the ON, and the OFF signal, when switchingfrom one setting to another setting.

It should be appreciated that a user 123, can easily pair or sync theirsmart devices 160, 220, with multiple Leak Alarm, and Smart Valve units23. Likewise, multiple users 123, can be paired or synced with eachindividual WiLAs and WiVAs 23. All users 123, and devices paired orsynced with a WiLA 10, receive leak and status notifications instantlyat the same time.

In one exemplary embodiment, a leak sensing unit is capable of detectinga leak 18, or a predetermined amount of liquid 18, such as, for example,a stream of fluid 18, or a flood 18, by measuring the electricalconductivity (or impedance) at two ends 22A, 22B, of the electronicmetal probe 22. Once the conductivity of a liquid 18, such as, water 18,between the two metal electronic probes 22A, 22B, reaches to a definedpoint, an internal flag turns ON or is activated, and an alert signal issent to the microcontroller 170. This inventive feature prevents falsealerts or alarms, such as, for example, due to condensation that maytemporarily occur on the two metallic electronic probes 22A, 22B, of theelectronic fluid sensor 22. Additionally, with this invention a user123, can also observe the surrounding situation via the inventive visualobservation device 65, such as, the camera 65.

In one exemplars embodiment, a microcontroller 170, is responsible toinitialize other components of the PCB board 16, such as, for example,speakers 28, or buzzer 28, WiFi module 180, Bluetooth module 175, LEDs26, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller 170, monitorsthe battery level, and updates the battery indicator on user's remotedevice 160, 220. In one exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller 170,is also responsible for providing requested data to a connected remotedevice.

In one exemplary embodiment, the WiFi module is a WiFi IEEE 802.11(a/b/g/n/d/e/i/k/r/ac/ad) standard module that is a wireless transceiverwhich transmits and receives data between microcontroller and user'ssmart device. In one exemplary embodiment, the WiFi IEEE 802.11(ah/aj/ax/ay) standard module that is a wireless transceiver whichtransmits and receives data between microcontroller and the user's smartdevice. In one exemplary embodiment, the WiFi module establishes theconnection in two ways, such as, for example, acting as an Access Point(AP), the Wifi module can be initialized by the microcontroller to be ahost to WiFi devices such that all the nearby devices can discover andconnect to the leak alert monitoring system. In one exemplaryembodiment, the WiFi module acts as a network client where the WiFimodule can be initialized by a microcontroller to act as a client toconnect to an existing Wi-Fi network and connect to the Internet usingan existing wireless hub or router. The network configuration is done byusing a custom designed application on a smart device. In one exemplaryembodiment, the WiFi module is programed through SDIO, UART or I2Cinterfaces. In one exemplary embodiment, the transmission antenna can beintegrated on the module or connected externally.

In one exemplary embodiment, the LED Indicator includes at least one LEDthat flashes when a leak is detected, or the battery is low.

In one exemplary embodiment, a notifying element, such as, for example,a buzzer, generates alert sound when a leak is detected, notifying thehome owner, property manager, etc.; also the buzzer sends a buzz whenthe battery is low.

In one exemplary embodiment, the power management system (PMS) isresponsible for providing power to each component on the system. Thepower management system (PMS) includes regulator ICs, voltageconverters, voltage monitoring IC and surge protection circuitry.

In one exemplary embodiment, the power source is supplied by replaceableor rechargeable batteries. In one exemplary embodiment, power issupplied by an internal battery where the battery is charged wirelesslyusing inductive charging method. In one exemplary embodiment, theinductive battery charger can be used to indicate a power outage in thehost building.

Applications of the present invention may be configured in numerousexemplary methodologies. In one example, a configuration is as follows:

-   Device name, date and time,-   Device location,-   Network configuration,-   Phone number(s) to send text or call,-   Email address(es) to send email,-   Reset/clear log,-   Valve(s) action configuration,-   Linking sensors and valves, and/or-   External device drivers.-   Camera setup and configuration

In one exemplary embodiment, electronic valves may be configured inseveral ways. In one example, the electronic valve may be configuredmanually when the user needs to connect to the electronic valve remotelyand turn the valve on or off. In another example, the electronic valvemay be configured automatically where the valve would turn offautomatically once a leak alert is detected. Later the user can resetthe valve to “on” once the leak area is inspected. Yet in anotherexample, the electronic valve may be configured with a timerfunctionality whereby the electronic valve will be shut offautomatically after a given amount of time once an alert is detected.This will give the user enough time to investigate the cause of thealert, but if the user is busy or out of reach, the valve would defaultto “off” for security and safety purposes.

Another exemplary embodiment to setup the Wi-Fi leak monitoring systemis by installing a monitoring server connected to the same network assensors are connected to monitor all the Wi-Fi leak alert sensorsactivities at the same time from one universal server. This method ofmonitoring is beneficial to residential complexes, hospitals,educational academies or any other large facilities which requires morethan one Wi-Fi sensor to be installed. In this exemplary configurationall the WiFi sensor devices will be programmed to report to the mainserver and an administrator or operator can review and monitor eventsand take a required action when an alert received from a sensor.Moreover, the software on the monitoring server will be able to controla variety of devices such as electrical switches, valves and equipmenton the same network and different locations remotely through Wi-Finetwork. For example, an administrator in a hospital may shut down amalfunctioning washer-dryer remotely by using the monitoring softwarewhen a washer dryer is leaking water on the floor.

The instructions may be loaded into the memory of the server or clientcomputers from a storage device or from one or more other computersystems over a network connection. For example, a client computer maytransmit a sequence of instructions to the server computer in responseto a message transmitted to the client over a network by the server. Inone exemplary embodiment, as the server receives the instructions overthe network connection, it stores the instructions in memory. The servermay store the instructions for later execution, or it may execute theinstructions as they arrive over the network connection. In some cases,the CPU may directly support the downloaded instructions. In othercases, the instructions may not be directly executable by the CPU, andmay instead be executed by an interpreter that interprets theinstructions. In other embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used inplace of, or in combination with, software instructions to implement thepresent invention. Thus tools used in the present invention are notlimited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software,nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the serveror client computers. In some instances, the client and serverfunctionality may be implemented on a single computer platform.

Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments describedherein and the constituent elements of the invention can be modified invarious manners without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Various aspects of the invention can also be extracted fromany appropriate combination of a plurality of constituent elementsdisclosed in the embodiments. Some constituent elements may be deletedin all of the constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. Theconstituent elements described in different embodiments may be combinedarbitrarily.

The embodiments of the present invention as described more fully withreference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, andwhich show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments bywhich the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the disclosed embodimentsare provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, andwill fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in theart.

It should be further understood that throughout the specification andclaims several terms have been used and they take the meaningsexplicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. For example, the phrase “in one embodiment” as used hereindoes not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may.Additionally, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does notnecessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus,various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Still further, while certain embodiments of the inventions have beendescribed, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only,and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, thenovel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a varietyof other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions andchanges in the form of the methods and systems described herein may bemade without departing from the spirit of the inventions.

As used in this specification and claims, the terms “for example,” “forinstance,” “such as,” and “like,” and the verbs “comprising,” “having,”“including,” and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with alisting of one or more components or other items, are each to beconstrued as open-ended, meaning that the listing is not to beconsidered as excluding other, additional components or items. Otherterms are to be construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unlessthey are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.

While the present invention has been particularly described inconjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident thatmany alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent tothose skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It istherefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any suchalternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the truescope and spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless leak alarm, and wireless valve,apparatus, comprising: (a) at least one wireless leak alarm device, saidat least one wireless leak alarm device comprises at least one firstmicrocontroller, at least one first wireless communication module, atleast one leak sensor adapted to detect a leak of a substance, at leastone battery, at least one visual observation device, and at least onefluid leak broadcast means; (b) said at least one first microcontrolleradapted to receive a signal from said at least one leak sensor; (c) saidat least one first wireless communication module adapted to receive asignal from said at least one first microcontroller, whereby said atleast one first wireless communication module transmits an electronicmessage to one of at least one user and a monitor server via at leastone first wireless communication network, whereby said at least one userwirelessly communicates user's instructions to exercise control over atleast one action device using said at least one first wirelesscommunication network, wherein said at least one action device comprisesa power module, a second wireless communication module, a secondmicrocontroller, a relay, and at least one electrical valve, and whereinsaid relay transmits at least one electrical signal to said electricalvalve upon receipt of instructions from said at least one user, and uponcompleting said at least one user's instructions said wirelesscommunication module sends an acknowledgement of completion of said atleast one user's instructions to said at least one user using said atleast one first wireless communication network; and (d) wherein said atleast one leak sensor has at least one external probe which comes incontact with said leaking substance.
 2. The wireless leak alarm, andwireless valve of claim 1, wherein said at least one wireless leak alarmdevice is paired with at least two of said at least one action device.3. The wireless leak alarm, and wireless valve of claim 1, wherein atleast two of said at least one wireless leak alarm device is paired withsaid at least one action device.
 4. The wireless leak alarm, andwireless valve of claim 1, wherein at least one cloud based monitoringsystem monitors said at least one wireless leak alarm device, and saidat least one action device.
 5. The wireless leak alarm, and wirelessvalve of claim 1, wherein wireless communication between said at leastone wireless leak alarm device, and said at least one action device isdone via at least one encryption protocol.
 6. The wireless leak alarm,and wireless valve of claim 1, wherein housing of said at least onewireless leak alarm device is waterproof.
 7. The wireless leak alarm,and wireless valve of claim 1, wherein housing of said at least oneaction device is waterproof.
 8. The wireless leak alarm, and wirelessvalve of claim 1, wherein said at least one wireless leak alarm devicefloats when said at least one wireless leak alarm device encounters aflood of a liquid.
 9. The wireless leak alarm, and wireless valve ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one wireless leak alarm device remains ina sleep mode, until it encounters one of a leaking fluid, or a periodicstatus check.
 10. The wireless leak alarm, and wireless valve of claim9, wherein said periodic status check is done from a group consistingof, at a periodic interval, at a set time, upon demand, and combinationsthereof.
 11. The wireless leak alarm, and wireless valve of claim 1,wherein said at least one wireless leak alarm device is at a firstlocation, and wherein said at least one action is at a second location.12. The wireless leak alarm, and wireless valve of claim 1, wherein saidat least one action device is secured to a fluid conduit, and wherein atleast a portion of an electrical valve of said action device is insidesaid fluid conduit.
 13. The wireless leak alarm, and wireless valve ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one wireless leak alarm device is set-upin a mesh network, and wherein said at least one wireless leak alarmdevice is connected to at least one wireless access point hub tocommunicate with at least one monitoring server.
 14. The wireless leakalarm, and wireless valve of claim 1, wherein said at least one firstwireless communication module is selected from a group consisting of aBluetooth module, a WiFi module, and a WiFi IEEE 802.11(a/b/g/n/d/e/i/k/r/ac/ad) module.
 15. The wireless leak alarm, andwireless valve of claim 1, wherein said at least one fluid leakbroadcast means is selected from a group consisting of a LED lightemitter, a light emitter, a speaker, a sound maker, a buzzer, aBluetooth communicator, a WiFi communicator, a wireless communicator,and combinations thereof.
 16. The wireless leak alarm, and wirelessvalve of claim 1, wherein said at least one wireless leak alarm devicehas at least one window to allow for the broadcasting from said at leastone fluid leak broadcast means.
 17. The wireless leak alarm, andwireless valve of claim 1, wherein said at least one wireless leak alarmdevice sends a wireless signal to at least one hub using said at leastone first wireless communication network, and wherein said at least onehub communicates with at least one monitor server using at least onesecond wireless communication network.
 18. The wireless leak alarm, andwireless valve of claim 1, wherein said at least one visual observationdevice is selected from a group consisting of a camera, a video camera,an Infra-Red camera, a heat imaging camera, a camera capable ofcapturing visible light, NIR light, and heat image, and combinationsthereof.
 19. The wireless leak alarm, and wireless valve of claim 1,wherein said at least one visual observation device, has at least onesupporting device, and wherein said at least one supporting device isselected from a group consisting of an LED, an NIR LED, a light sensor,a light bulb, and combinations thereof.
 20. A method of remotelyexercising control over an electrical valve comprising the steps of: (a)positioning at least one wireless leak alarm device having at least onefirst microcontroller, at least one first wireless communication module,at least one visual observation device, at least one leak sensor adaptedto detect a leak of a substance, at least one battery, and at least onefluid leak broadcast means, in a location amenable to detecting leaks;(b) receiving a notification of a fluid leak from one of said at leastone wireless leak alarm device via said at least one first wirelesscommunication module via at least one first wireless communicationnetwork; (c) activating said at least one visual observation device uponreceiving said notification of said fluid leak from one of said at leastone wireless leak alarm device; (d) communicating instructions from oneof at least one user and monitor server using said at least one firstwireless communication network to a second microcontroller via a secondwireless communication module to exercise control over an electricalvalve, whereby causing said electrical valve to be shut off to stop saidfluid leak, and upon completing said at least one user's instructionssaid second wireless communication module sends an acknowledgement ofcompletion of said at least one user's instructions to said at least oneuser using said at least one first wireless communication network; and(e) said at least one leak sensor having at least one external probewhich comes in contact with said leaking substance.